For years, as summer approached, I found myself anxious and insecure about the impending beach and pool days. My thick thighs and prominent stomach made me dread swimsuit shopping, and I usually wound up covered up during most of my time in the sun. Then, just about two years ago, I bought a purple bikini on a whim, and since then, I've never looked back. At first, just putting it on required the most confidence and self-esteem I've ever had to muster up. Going out in it was twice as hard, especially since the first time I wore it was to a pool party with my friends- all of whom were so skinny they probably never had the same problem I did. I got to the party and was met with not even a hint of judgement and later realized that the only one holding me back from enjoying myself was me. I've worn it multiple times since then- to the beach, to a family pool party- and have never felt anything but confident.

After years of self- doubt, bursts of confidence, and a lot of thinking and overthinking, I can finally say I feel comfortable with my body in a swimsuit with such minimal material. Yes, there are still some days, or even moments, laying out on the beach, when I second guess myself and my body. But those moments are usually fleeting, and as soon as they pop into my head, they're gone, and I go back to enjoying my day with the wonderful people I'm spending it with. I realize there are more things to worry about then what someone thinks of the stretch marks on my thighs or the rolls on my stomach.

Moral of the story? Don't let anyone hold you back, including yourself. Be as confident as you can be with the body you have- it's the only one you will ever get. It's yours, and only yours, and only you can tell you what to do with it or how it should look. I just so happened to make peace with my heavier body and bigger frame, and that's made me more confident than I've ever been, especially during swimsuit season. But, if you feel that losing weight can boost your confidence, go right ahead and make a change. Who is anyone to judge? If you're confident the way you are now, and you don't want to change, that's amazing too. It's your body, and if you like the way you look, then everyone else shouldn't have a problem with that. Don't let your image of yourself be compromised by anyone else's opinion. If you love your body, that's all that matters. Don't worry about the tall, skinny girl on the beach who has a body like Adriana Lima. You're not her- but that doesn't mean that you're any less beautiful.

So, as swimsuit season approaches, just remember that the only person who's opinion you should be worried about is yours. Your body is your temple, and it's your responsibility to take care of it, treat it well, and most of all, love it. And, lastly, don't let anyone tell you how to dress your body. If you want to wear a bikini, do it. If you're more confident in a one piece, then rock it. Wear whatever you feel beautiful, confident, and most like you in, because when you're confident, you're beautiful no matter what body type. Forget about your size and let your confidence shine this summer.